Almost $30 million for North Queensland councils’ Works for Queensland projects

The Palaszczuk Government is driving Townsville’s economic recovery with the region to benefit from a fourth round of Works for Queensland.

In North Queensland $29.48 million will be made available to Townsville City Council, Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, Charters Towers Regional Council and Hinchinbrook and Burdekin Shire Councils.

Minister for Resources and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart welcomed the return of the Works for Queensland funding.

“Townsville has been hit hard by the ongoing economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, that’s why the Palaszczuk Government has made it the epicentre of Queensland’s economic recovery,” Minister Stewart said.

“Previous rounds of Works for Queensland have helped to kickstart Townsville’s economic recovery and delivered 2,746 jobs for North Queensland locals, I’m looking forward to this new round delivering even more jobs.

“In my electorate one of the most popular projects funded through Works for Queensland is the re-creation of the popular bike friendly circuit at Kevin Schreiber Rotary Park in Currajong, and there are countless other great examples across Townsville.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said Works for Queensland would create more jobs for North Queensland.

“Works for Queensland has been a hugely popular program for North Queensland’s councils, especially Townsville City Council which will receive $19.54 million in this round of funding,” Mr Harper said.

“We want to see jobs delivered right now, so I encourage council to put forward some shovel ready projects that will generate jobs and make the best city in the world even better.”

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said Works for Queensland had delivered vital council infrastructure for the region.

“As a councillor in Townsville I’ve seen firsthand the great work this program delivers, not just the jobs but the upgrades to facilities and recreational sites,” Mr Walker said.

“Previously Works for Queensland has delivered upgrades at Oonoonba Park, Charles Maroney Park and Heatley Park alongside many others which have been supported in North Queensland.” 

Local Government Association of Queensland President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said Works for Queensland stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when both levels of government work together to create jobs and improve local communities.

“This program’s success comes from its targeted focus on funding projects that can be rolled out quickly to provide opportunities and improved facilities for local communities,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Councils have strongly supported the continuation of Works for Queensland and we welcome the release of this new round of the program at a time when job-creation has never been more important.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Queensland Government to maintain this program into the future.”

$200 million will be made available to all 65 councils outside of South East Queensland, with a focus on creating jobs and building council infrastructure.

Eligible projects range from roadworks to town beautification, parks and playground upgrades, renewable energy installations, tourism, water and safety.

Project submissions close on 9 April.

For more information visit: www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/works-for-queensland

North Queensland allocations include:

• Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council - $2.93 million
• Townsville City Council - $19.54 million
• Burdekin Shire Council - $2.48 million
• Hinchinbrook Shire Council - $2.15 million
• Charters Towers Regional Council - $2.38 million

ENDS

Media contact: Amy Hunter – 0423 651 484